1. Visual Inspection.  Look for debris—especially stones, broken glass, or other foreign objects and remove them.  Check to make sure that the level of depth of the Fibar® surface doesn't fall below the FibarSystem® design depth.  The legs of the equipment should have been marked with a bold horizontal mark showing the System depth when originally installed.  If they are not, take the time to mark the legs with an indelible marker at the System design depth, measuring from the bottom of the Fibar surface.  This will allow you to readily see when the Fibar needs to be redistributed or topped off to maintain proper System design depth.  If the equipment was not marked, or you choose not to mark it, the surface must be checked at a number of points using a long handled screwdriver marked in inches, to determine the actual depth.  If the actual depth is below the System design depth, redistribution and/or top-off is needed.  See Paragraph 3, Raking, and top off if the depth of the Fibar is below the System design depth.  Inspect the surface daily.

2. Top-Off.  Experience has shown us that installations typically require top-offs after three (3) years of use (on some playgrounds, maybe sooner).  Top offs can sometimes be scheduled with other deliveries to minimize the freight cost.  See Paragraph 1, Visual Inspection, for guidelines on how to know when you need a surface top-off.

3. Raking.   Wear areas (See Paragraph 7, Incorrect Installation or Maintenance) should be raked level and maintained at the proper System design depth of inches as measured from the bottom of the Fibar surfacing enclosure to the top of the Fibar surface.  See Paragraph 2, Top-Off, if more Fibar is needed to maintain the System design depth.  See Paragraph 1, Visual Inspection, regarding the use of the marks on the legs of the equipment to readily determine the relationship between the actual depth and the System design depth.  When a Fibar System installation is close enough to a sandpit that sand gets tracked into the Fibar surface, this could adversely change the impact attenuation characteristics of the Fibar System.  The surface should be very vigorously raked to attempt to mitigate this.

4. Wear Mats.  To preserve your warranty, FibarMat® wear mats must be installed under all swings, tire swings, and slide exits.  They should also be installed at other excessive wear areas, including sliding poles.  The preferred method is to place the mats on top of the Fibar Engineered Wood Fibre.  They can also be placed in the middle of the Fibar or directly under the Fibar, on top of the FibarFelt® fabric.  If these wear mats were not ordered when you ordered the FibarSystem, please call your local Fibar Representative or The Fibar Group LLC at 1-800-342-2721 or (914) 273-8770.

5. Accessibility.  Depending on weather and usage, a Fibar surface will compact to provide access for wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and wheeled vehicles within two to six weeks of installation.

6. Weeds.  Conditions could occur that might cause weed growth.  You can remedy this situation by use of an environmentally approved weed killer (call your local Cooperative Extension office for recommendation) or pull out the weeds by hand.

FibarSystems® are unique playground surface products, the creation and origination of which are covered by U.S. Patent Numbers 4,679,963; 5,026,207 & 5,076,726, owned by The Fibar Group LLC. Award contractors must obtain a license from The Fibar Group LLC prior to construction.